Clinching its first state trip since 2008, the Mossyrock softball team handily defeated Naselle Wednesday afternoon in Montesano in five innings, 25-2.
The Vikings and Comets battle Wednesday afternoon was for the lone state berth 1B District 4 would receive, and the district trophy, and like the matchups earlier in the season, the Vikings handled their competition, avenging a loss in the district championship a year ago.
“It was a gut-wrencher last year, but this year we had to make sure,” Vikings coach Keith Coleman said. “They’ve reached one of their goals. I’m really happy for Hailey (Brooks(), this is her first trip.”
The Vikings put at least five runs on the board in each of the four innings they batted, led by Brooks’ dominance. The senior drew three intentional walks, and when she was pitched to went hit a home run and a triple to knock in five RBIs, and score five runs herself.
Addison Barrows went 4 for 5, Delaney Marshall went 3 for 5, and Abbie Lovan went 4 for 5 to round out top batters for Mossyrock.
“It just builds confidence in them,” Coleman said of the performance at the plate. “It's good to see them swinging the bat and hitting the ball. We’re starting to figure things out at the right time.”
After coming up a game short of state last season, the Vikings will have a shot to win their third trophy this season in a girls team sport. The Mossyrock volleyball team captured second in the state in the fall, and the girls basketball team also finished as state runners-up.
“Our goal is to bring home a trophy, hopefully we can do that,” Coleman said.
The Vikings will learn of their draw and seeding fate Sunday morning before heading to Yakima for the 1B state tournament later next week.
